A Message from 2023 Cincinnati PRSA Chapter President Sara Cullin, APR
“Communication is not about speaking what we think. Communication is about ensuring others hear what we mean.”— Simon Sinek
These days, anyone can start a blog, podcast, Facebook group, or email a press release. It’s easier than ever to send a message to the masses, so professional communicators must learn how to cut through the noise so important messages rise to the top. It requires constant adaptation and insight into changing newsrooms and new communications tools.
Cincinnati PRSA members are spokespersons for the tri-state’s largest organizations and solo practitioners with niche clientele. Our job titles are strategist, content creator, vice president, media relations specialist.... We are both new and experienced, Cincinnati natives and transplants. We represent a variety of backgrounds and interests.
Our common thread is our passion for effective public relations. Through our shared experience, we can support professional development, connect each other to opportunities and elevate our profession.
Cincinnati PRSA chapter leaders are gearing up for a great year ahead. We look forward to connecting with our members, delivering high-quality programs and providing more value than ever throughout the year. There are endless opportunities to get involved, earn recognition and stand out as a PR professional. In fact, I hope you’ll meet up with us during one of our January meet and greet sessions.
It's an honor for me to serve as chapter president this year. I look forward to meeting you and learning about your challenges and motivations. Here’s a little about my own.
My teenage son, Reece, is my comic relief and my inspiration for everything I do. Along with my partner, John, we live on a small farm near the Ohio-Indiana state line. My pets, Pepper and Bubbles, are my shadows and you’ll likely meet them if we connect over Zoom.
I began my public relations career in 2004 after graduating from Eastern Michigan University. I became involved in the Cincinnati PRSA chapter in 2013 by serving on the Blacksmiths committee, which I co-chaired in 2015. I’ve also served as our chapter’s job bank coordinator, digital strategist and vice president for programming. In 2018, I launched my business, Signal Tree Creative Communications. I advocate for small business in all aspects of my life: as a consumer, a marketer and as executive director for Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce.
One thing I don’t have as a solo practitioner is access to a team where I can float ideas and discuss industry changes. Cincinnati PRSA and our national organization helps fill that void and has provided valuable friendships and opportunities. I hope you will find it beneficial to belong to this group, as well.
How will you leverage your Cincinnati PRSA membership to tackle your goals this year? Send me a note or sign up for upcoming gathering so we can chat. I look forward to getting to know you and working together to elevate each other and our profession.